WASHINGTON, DC. In a meeting of the full membership of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness today at the White House, Council members unanimously elected Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson as Council Chair. A full report on the Council meeting will be provided later this week in the e-news.

Secretary Jackson, who recognized the contributions of outgoing Chair and VA Secretary Jim Nicholson in his commitment to homeless veterans, praised the record of the Council in shaping the nationwide effort to end chronic homelessness and in supporting the joint efforts of Council members. Secretary Jackson noted the importance of bringing vision and commitment to the work of meeting the needs of all persons experiencing homelessness in the difficult times following Hurricane Katrina.

Council Director Philip Mangano, congratulating Secretary Jackson on his new role, observed, "We are fortunate to have Secretary Jackson as a leader at this critical time in the Council's efforts. Homeless people across the country and the Council's members will be greatly assisted by the Secretary's leadership in the coming months. He has shown that he knows how to distinguish between a refugee and an evacuee, between shelter and housing."

WASHINGTON, DC. In today's full Council meeting, a key federal housing policy development was announced in support of the Administration's goal of ending chronic homelessness. United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) Dr. Michael O'Grady announced to Council members that the Department, responding both to the Administration's goal and the needs of communities, will in the future consider permanent supportive housing as an eligible use for federal surplus property under the McKinney-Vento Title V program.

The Department will publish a notice for review and comment this fall to operationalize the change. The policy change will reverse the approach in place since the creation of the property program in 1987, under which eligible uses for surplus property have been emergency shelter, transitional programs, and supportive services. According to HHS, this policy change will expand the options available to communities to better meet the needs of disabled individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness.

Council Executive Director Philip Mangano, commenting on today's announcement, heralded the work of HHS staff in forwarding the change, noting, "As someone who across a period of 15 years has directed homeless services for a city, provided services to homeless people, acted as an advocate on policy, and now works in the federal government, I can only say that this policy change should be seen as a signature element of this Administration's commitment to meeting the housing needs of the most disabled homeless people, and an affirmation of the expectation that we will examine and change policy so that we can better meet our goal of ending chronic homelessness."

WASHINGTON, DC. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the front door into the current resources available to those displaced by the disaster. All persons affected, historically or newly homeless and displaced, should register for what assistance may be available. To register, those affected should call FEMA at 1/800-621-FEMA or 1/800-621-3362; TTY - 1/800-462-7585. Registration is also available on-line at www.fema.gov.

At Red Cross and faith-based shelters across the country, phone lines and computers are being made available for the purpose of registering. Community resources have also been made available to our displaced neighbors, including on line resources in libraries and schools. Every displaced person affected by the disaster should register with FEMA.

The Red Cross toll-free call center will provide financial resources and referrals to services for hurricane survivors across the nation. Families in need can access this program by calling 1/800-975- 7585. The Red Cross stresses the importance of registering for aid using this number.

WASHINGTON, DC. A complete report of the full Council meeting which occurred today in Washington will be carried in the regular e-news to be issued later this week.